Remove Deck Stain When Reapplying? 5/5 (2)

This post was updated on June 26, 2024

Hi, I am Scott Paul, an exterior wood restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in stripping and removing exterior wood and deck stains. See here for more info about me.

Remove Old Deck Stain for Reapplication

Not all deck stain types and brands are compatible. Below are some tips when switching your brand or type of deck stain and how to prep for maximum results when reapplying a deck stain to your wood if you have used a different stain previously.

Deck Stain Peeling

Changing Brands of Deck Stain for Reapplication

If you are switching brands of transparent, semi-transparent, or semi-solid deck stains, you will need to strip and/or sand to remove the prior deck stain coatings. It does not matter if you are applying an oil-based stain over an old oil-based deck stain; you have to remove the prior coating if you change the deck stain brand. When you strip a deck stain, neutralize it with a wood deck brightener.

Find a Deck Stain Stripper?

See below for my best deck stain stripper options.

#1 Best Wood Stain Stripper/Remover	#2 Best Wood Stain Stripper/Remover	#3 Best Wood Stain Stripper/Remover
Restore-A-Deck Stripper with Booster/Thickening Gel Additives	Restore-A-Deck Stain Stripper without Additives	RAD PaintStrip Stripping Gel - Removes Solid Stain & Paints
From: $89.97 each *Booster, Gel, and Stripper. Makes 5-Liquid Gallons.	From: $39.99 *Ships Free.  Makes 5-Liquid Gallons.	From: $69.99 *Ships Free. Removes Solid Stains.
5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5
Purchase Here	Purchase Here	Purchase Here

Using the Same Deck Stain Brand for Reapplication?

There is no need to remove the old transparent, semi-transparent, or semi-solid deck stain coating for reapplying unless the old stain has failed by wearing and peeling unevenly. Uneven wear may lead to uneven application. When reapplying the same deck stain and color brand, use a wood deck cleaner and a wood brightener for prep.

Recoat with Same Deck Stain Brand and Color

Reapplying a Solid Color Deck Stain?

In this case, it does not matter the brand or color. You can reapply over the top of the old solid color deck stain using these tips for prep: Reapplying A Solid Color Deck Stain.

Remove Solid Stain on Deck

Switching to Solid Color Deck Stain

If you are switching to a solid-color deck stain, you do not need to remove the old transparent, semi-transparent, or semi-solid deck stains. Ensure your deck is clean and free of dirt, mildew, or old peeling stain.

More Info on Prep for Deck Stains

• • What are the Best Deck Cleaners
  • The Best Deck Stain Strippers
  • Why Brighten After Deck Stripping
  • How To Remove a Solid Color Deck Stain

Have a Deck Stain question? Ask in the comments below.

For more information, see our Deck Stain Facts section, which includes over 150 simple Q&A articles answering all your questions about deck staining, cleaning, and prep.

See My Removing a Deck Stain Video

Scott Paul ~ Restoring Wood & Decks Since 1993 Owner

As an article and comment contributor to the site, Scott has been around the pressure washing industry since attending college. In 1993 he started his first company called Oakland Pressure Wash specializing in exterior pressure washing and deck staining. That company evolved into OPW L.L.C. shortly thereafter concentrating more on exterior wood and deck restoration. Scott and his Deck Cleaning Michigan company have restored over 10,000 decks in the Metro Detroit area since the early years. He has become an authority in the deck restoration industry and has contributed to numerous wood restoration forums and informative sites. All the products he suggests through this site are sold through online sites and in retail stores, allowing the consumer to choose their own means of purchase. Scott’s eCommerce sites do sell many top brands he endorses and if you appreciate any of the help he has offered then feel free to purchase from one of them.

See Full Bio